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Asahi Pentax S3

The Asahi Pentax S3 is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera produced by Asahi Optical Co. in Japan in the early 1960s. It uses the M42 screw lens mount and has no built-in light meter, positioning it as a mid-range mechanical SLR in the Pentax S-series line when new.

At UK auction today, Asahi Pentax S3 hammer prices (wholesale saleroom results, before commission) typically fall in the £60–£150 range, with a median around £80 based on recent sales. Condition and whether a working prime lens is included drive most of the spread; body-only or cosmetically tired examples sell for £60, while cleaner outfits have fetched up to £150.

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Sales History

Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.

Date Price Source
Aug 2025 £56 Flints Auctions
Mar 2025 £60 Special Auction Services
Mar 2025 £60 Special Auction Services
Mar 2023 £150 Flints Auctions
Nov 2022 £180 Flints Auctions
Jun 2022 £100 Flints Auctions
May 1998 £46 Christie's
Jan 1998 £69 Christie's

Frequently asked questions

What is an Asahi Pentax S3 worth today?

Recent UK auction hammer prices for the Pentax S3 sit between £60 and £150, with a median near £80 depending on cosmetic condition and whether a lens is included.

How much does a Pentax S3 sell for at auction?

Most examples sell for £60–£100 at the hammer, with cleaner cased outfits occasionally reaching £150.

Does the Pentax S3 have a built-in light meter?

No — the S3 is an unmetered mechanical SLR, so an external meter or a metered prism accessory is needed for exposure readings.

What lens mount does the Pentax S3 use?

It uses the M42 screw mount, which means a wide range of period Takumar and third-party screw-mount lenses will fit.

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